Training targets mental illness

A free Webcast training seminar scheduled May 24 gives consumers, providers and the public an overview of a preventive program aimed at mental illness.

The video conference "My Mind, My Health" takes place from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Byte Savvy, 309 S. Main St., in Kalispell and in Room 214 at the Flathead Valley Community College campus, 225 Commerce Way, in Libby. It introduces participants to a system designed to help people monitor their symptoms and take action.

"Crisis services in Montana are in such huge demand and in such short supply," said Deb Matteucci, executive director of the Montana Mental Health Association. "We want to grow this program."

Called Wellness Recovery Action Plans, this system was devised by people with mental-health challenges who wanted wellness tools and strategies for their lives.

The training, sponsored by the Montana Mental Health Association, teaches people coping with depression, bipolar affective disorder and other mental illnesses how to:

-Decrease or prevent troubling feelings and behaviors

-Increase personal empowerment

-Improve their quality of life

-Help reach life goals and dreams

Participants in the teleconference should gain a better understanding of recovery.

As consumers learn how to work with those experiencing psychiatric symptoms, they discover their own strengths, which enhances their own recoveries.

Matteucci said this introduction prepares consumers and others for a two-day workshop planned for this summer. She says it gives an overview so people can decide whether they want to enroll in the intense workshop.

"The two days are pretty grueling," she said.

Matteucci said she hopes that many will take the five-day "Train the Trainer" workshop to become certified to present wellness-plan training.

"Right now we have more demand than supply," she said.

Ideally, Matteucci envisions each region in Montana eventually having at least one certified trainer. It would cut down on travel expenses for participants.

Tools taught in the wellness-plan system include:

-Seeking support from health-care professionals and peer counseling

-Focusing and stress reduction and relaxation

-Health, exercise, diet, light, sleep

Participants learn to prepare crisis-prevention plans for suicide prevention, change negative thoughts to positive, and build self-esteem and a wellness-enhancing lifestyle.

Those interested in participating need to R.S.V.P. by calling toll-free (877) 927-MMHA by May 19.

Reporter Candace Chase may be reached at 758-4436 or by e-mail at cchase@dailyinterlake.com.